Roll-back closure assembly for large openings,especially for hatch openings of ships

ABSTRACT

A roll-back closure assembly for large openings, especially for the hatch openings of marine vessels, comprises a plurality of deck elements of identical dimensions which are articulated to one another. When the assembly is rolled back, the pivotal axes of the linkage members between the elements lie along an Archimedian Spiral.

[72] Inventor:

United States Patent Bauer [s41 ROLL-BAGKCLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR LARGE OPENINGS, ESPECIALLY FOR HATCH OPENINGS 0F SHIPS Ralf Bauer, Warnemunde, Germany [73] Assignee: Veb Warnowwerft, Warnemunde,

Germany v [22] Filed: April 9, 1970 [21] Appl. No.2 27,016

[52 US. Cl ..114/201, 160/133 [51] Int. Cl. ..B63b 19/20 [58] Field of Search ..114/202, 201; 160/133 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,072,178 1/1963 Wenzel et al ..160/133 1451 Oct. 17,1972

1,579,915 4/1926 Cornell... ..l60/l33 2,946,304 7/1960 Greer 6: al ..114/202 FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 1,164,266 2/1964 Germany ..114/202 Primary Examiner-Andrew H. Farrell Attorney-Nolte and Nolte [5 7] ABSTRACT A roll-back closure assembly for large Openings, especially for the hatch openings Of marine vessels, comprises a plurality of deck elements of identical dimensions which are articulated to one another. When the assembly is rolled back, the pivotal axes of the linkage members between the elements lie along an Archimedian Spiral.

9 Claims, '12 Drawing Figures PATENTED 3 698,346

SHEET 1 0F 3 @ZFA54UZP INVENTOR MXW ATTORNEYS PA'TENTEDW 11 m2 3; 698; 34s

SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS F/GB.

PATENTEMBI 1? I912 3,698,346

SHEET 3 [IF 3 F/GJZ PAM/154M619 INVENTOR BY W ATTORNEYS ROLL-BACK CLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR LARGE OPENINGS, ESPECIALLY FOR HATCH OPENINGS F SHIPS The present invention relates to a roll-back closure assembly and, more particularly, to a closure assembly having a plurality of pivotally connected deck elements of identical cross section, whereby a large opening, such as the hatch opening of a marine vessel, can be tightly closed.

Prior art has developed several types of roll-back closure assemblies which are formed by hingedly connected elements, and which can be moved between a closed position, wherein the individual elements lie side by side as a cover over the opening, and an open position wherein they are rolled up on a drum which is fixedly mounted at one end of the opening. Each of the individual elements has the shape of an open box, so that a number of elements can be telescoped into each other when the closure assembly is rolled up. Depending on the size of the opening, and that of the elements, the roll which is wound on the drum generally consists of several helical windings. Since the diameter of the roll increases with each additional superimposed layer, the length of the elements in each layer must be different from that of the elements in adjoining layers in order to permit a telescope effect therebetween.

To manufacture, and to maintain a reserve of elements of different lengths is uneconomical, as is the requirement for a special stationary drum. Another drawback is the rapid wear, particularly of the gaskets, which results from the sliding motion of the telescoped elements with respect to each other during the opening and closing operations. Finally, the open box construction of the individual elements reduces their capacity to resist bending stresses.

In another know closure assembly a movable drum is guided across the interconnected elements as they lie in closing position over the opening. The individual elements all have the same length and are made of an open-box shape of trapezoidal cross section which permits a telescoping arrangement as described above. The gaskets which serve as linkage means between adjoining elements are made of different lengths to compensate for the difference in the diameter of the rolled up assembly, depending on the numberand thickness of the windings on the roll.

Although this type of closure assembly prevents the deterioration of the elements due to friction during the opening and closing of the device, it is expensive to install and to maintain: a large quantity of gaskets of different lengths must be kept in reserve, and special guide rails for the movable drum must be provided. Finally, the surface of the assembly in closed condition exhibits considerable unevenness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of known roll-back closure assemblies for large openings, especially for hatch openings of ships, by providing a strong and inexpensive mechanism, comprising a plurality of flexibly interconnected individual deck elements of identical dimensions which, in the closed condition of the assembly, have a substantially smooth upper surface.

Another object is to provide a mechanism which is easy to manipulate and which combines durability and economy in manufacture and maintenance.

A further object is to provide an assembly which tightly seals off the opening when it is in the closed condition.

Yet another object is to provide an assembly wherein the individual elements are securely latched in the rolled-back position to uncover the entire opening or a portion thereof.

These objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are attained, in accordance with the present invention, by securing elements of one winding layer to elements of an adjoining layer in such a way that the pivotal axes of the linkage members lie on an Archimedian Spiral.

Each element includes a flange attached to each 0 two parallel sides thereof. The curvature of the flanges at their free ends approximates the maximum curvature of a preselected Archimedian Spiral. At least one pair of outwardly projecting pins are attached to each flange. Every element also comprises a recess in its upper surface corresponding to the dimensions of the pins, so that the pins attached to an element in one winding layer are received in the recesses of an element in an adjoining layer whenthe assembly is rolled back. The preselected number and attitude of the pins, and the curvature of the flanges are adapted to orient the assembly in the roll-back position so as to define the desired spiral path. The positive connection between adjoining winding layers vouchsafes that a force applied to one of the elements rotates the'coordinated element about its pivotal axis.

The linkage members between adjoining elements in the assembly include a pair of hollow, wedge-shaped projections which enclose packing material. A jointing strip of approximately rectangular cross-section, disposed at the center of the communicating projections, is adapted to compress the packing material against the interior walls thereof in order to strengthen the linkage between the elements.

When the assembly is in the stretched out, hatch covering, position the recesses in the deck-forming upper surfaces of the elements are closed off by a pivotable member of a latching mechanism. During the roll-back themember is swung out of the way when a pin is inserted into the recess. Withdrawal of the pin, and return of the assembly to the stretched-out position automatically restores the latching mechanism into its closing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the closure assembly, partly rolled back from a hatch opening;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the assembly as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of one of the elements of the assembly;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line a-a in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are enlarged fractional views taken along the line bb in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 3, showing different embodiments of the packing material;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken along the line c-c in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the detail denoted by x in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the detail shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line d-d in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line e-e in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line e--e in the direction of the arrows of FIG. 7, showing the latching mechanism in released position.

In FIG. 1 (which is schematic) there is shown a portion of the opening of hatch 1 of a ship, which is covered by a plurality of closure elements 2, which are articulated to one another. A roll comprising a number of elements 2,3 at one end of the hatch 1 indicates that a portion of the hatch opening (not shown) has been uncovered. Element 3 which is the first of the interconnected elements of the assembly in the direction of the roll-back is attached, at each end, to polygonal flanges 4 each having on its outer surface a solidly fixed rope drum 25 on which the operating ropes or cables (not shown) are wound and from which they extend in the direction (for opening) and/or direction 6 (for closing) to winches or the like, not shown. Such winches may be actuated manually, for example by a crank, or by a motor, particularly if remote control is desired, or if a large power requirement exists.

The elements 2,3 are in the shape of boxes (FIG. 2a) and comprise each a rectangular upper deck portion 2d bordered by an edge 2a, and four sides denoted respectively by 2b, 2e, 2b and 2f, normal to the base. The sides are defined at their lower ends by the edge 20. All the elements 2,3 have identical dimensions and are connected to one another by the linkage members 7.

In the closing position the elements 2, 3 lie flatly side by side within the confines of the hatch opening to form a tight cover.

A spacing flange 1 l is attached to or integral with the edge 20 of the side 2e of each of the elements 2,3 and lies in the same plane with the side. At least one pin 9 is attached to each of the flanges I1 and projects from the edge thereof. Recesses 10, corresponding to the proportions of pins 9, are formed in the surface of the elements 2,3, and are adapted to receive pins 9 which are attached to another element in the assembly. The number of pins 9 and their orientation with respect to the elements 2,3 is preselected by means including the form of spacing flanges 11, so that their engagement in the coordinated recesses of proximate elements places the winding layers of the rolled-back assembly along a spiral path 8 which describes an Archimedian Spiral.

Element 3 is attached to a polygonal flange 4 shaped to engage with the edges 2a of the element, and which is provided with a plurality of pins 9. In one preferred embodiment range spacers such as chains (not shown) are substituted for the polygonal flanges 4. The function of the polygonal flange 4 or of the range spacers is to start the development of the spiral path 8 by aligning the first winding layer of elements 2 about element 3.

A continuation 2 of surface 2d of each of the elements 2.3 is slanted toward the center of the linkage member 7 where it is met by a ledge 12 which is slanted in the opposite direction from its attachment to the side wall 2b of the respective deck element. The ledge 12 extends across the width of the side wall and forms, together with the side 2j a wedge-shaped projection 13 (FIG. 4). Two symmetrical projections 13 extending outwardly from sides 2b of adjacent deck elements and facing each other form a hollow channel which is filled almost completely with tubular packing material 14. A jointing strip 15 of approximately rectangular cross section, which is inserted into the channel across the junction of the two projections 13, is adapted to compress the packing material 14 against the interior walls of the channel. In one alternative embodiment the jointing strip 15 is inserted before filler material 16, which may be a plastic or rubber compound, is added to fill the interior of the channel 13 entirely (FIG. 5). The combination of a jointing strip 15 and of packing material 14 or filler material 16, strengthens the linkage between the elements 2,3.

The sealing of the cover elements 2,3 relative to their support on hatch 1, is achieved through a circumferential seal 17 (FIGS. 6, 9, 10, 11) as is well known. At the crossings between packing strip 15 of the cover elements 2, 3 and the circumferential seal 17, the tubular packing elements 14 or the filler 16, are recessed accordingly, so that there is a contact seal between the circumferential seal 17 and the packing strip 15, as shown in FIG. 6. The seal 17 is carried by the cover.

Profilated frame members 18 which are attached to the sides 2e and 2f of the elements 2, 3, have end portions which support bearings 19 adjacent each recess 10. Each pair of bearings 19 supports a toggle lever 20 and means, such as, for example, a torsion spring 24 (FIGS. 9 11) which urge a stud 22 at one end of the lever, against a hook 23 which is affixed to the respective deck element. A rocker arm 21 is positioned to lie across the recess 10 and fulcrumed on a support 26. When theassembly is rolled back, causing pins 9 to engage in respective recesses 10, each rocker arm 21 abuts against toggle lever 20 and swings it out of contact with hook 23, as shown in FIG. 1 I.

When the assembly is moved from a closing position, covering the hatch opening, to a position where the en tire hatch l or a portion thereof is to be uncovered, a pull exerted along the line 5-6 (FIGS. 1 and 2) on the first element 3 of the assembly causes the successive elements 2 to be wound on a shaft 25 in such a way, that the pivotal axes of the linkage members 7 lie on an Archimedian Spiral. The shape of the spiral 8 is prescribed by the polygonal flanges 4 attached to element 3, or by range spacers which have the function of permitting only limited pivotal movement of the elements 2, and by the mating of the pins 9 in the recesses 10 of superimposed elements 2 in the winding layers. In the rolled-back position the arcs on the free edges of flanges l1 approximate the curvature of an Archimedian Spiral. The roll thus includes a minimum of waste space and has the smallest possible diameter commensurate with the dimensions and number of the elements 2,3 which comprise the assembly.

Pins 9 on flanges 11 which, in the course of the roll back, are inserted into recesses 10 in the direction of the arrow of FIG. 11, tilt the rocker arm 21 so that the latter abuts with its free end against toggle lever 20.

The impact releases toggle lever 20 from its engagement with hook 23. A pull exerted on the outermost element 2 of a roll, for the purpose of unwinding the roll, causes pins 9 to be withdrawn from recesses 10.

The rocker arm 21 subsequently returns to its position across the recess and the stud 22 mounted on the toggle lever 20, is urged against the hook 23 automatically by the torsion of spring 24.

What is claimed is:

l. A roll-back assembly for large openings, especially for a hatch opening in the deck of a marine vessel, comprising:

a. a plurality of box-shaped elements closed on all sides and of generally identical dimensions, each element having a deck-forming upper surface and four sides substantially normal thereto;

. means including polygonal wheels on both sides of the assembly for moving the assembly between a first position wherein said elements close the hatch opening, and a second position wherein such elements are rolled back along the path of an Archmedian Spiral; and

c. means for establishing said path, the latter means including pin means on a lower surface of each box-shaped element, each of said elements including a recess provided in its upper surface for reception of such pin means.

2. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 1 comprising a pair of flanges attached to two parallel sides of said elements, said pin means extending outwardly from said flanges.

3. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 2 comprising a latching mechanism closing said recess in each of said elements in said first position of said as sembly.

4. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 3 comprising a latching mechanism attached to each of said elements, said mechanism including a springloaded toggle lever, a stud attached to one end of said lever, and a hook, and means for automatically urging said lever against said hook in said first position of said assembly.

5. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 1 also including, as linkage members between said elements wedge-shaped hollow projections attached to proximate sides of a pair of adjoining elements, said linkage members comprising a communicating channel contiguous to said sides, and packing material enclosed in said channel.

6. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said projections include a pair of ledges extending across the width of said sides of said elements, said ledges being attached to said sides at a substantially equal angle of inclination, one of said ledges sloping downward and the other of said ledges sloping upward of said sides toward an apex of said projection at the midpoint between said elements.

7. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein one of said ledges is a continuation of said upper surface of said element at an angle thereto.

8. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 7 comprising a first tubular packing material approximately filling said channel, and a second packing material of substantially rectangular cross section subsequently inserted in said channel whereby said tubular packing material 18 compressed against the interior walls thereof.

9. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 7 comprising a first packing material of substantially rectangular cross-section and a second packing material subsequently inserted in said channel surrounding said first packing material and completely filling said channel. 

1. A roll-back assembly for large openings, especially for a hatch opening in the deck of a marine vessel, comprising: a. a plurality of box-shaped elements closed on all sides and of generally identical dimensions, each element having a deckforming upper surface and four sides substantially normal thereto; b. means including polygonal wheels on both sides of the assembly for moving the assembly between a first position wherein said elements close the hatch opening, and a second position wherein such elements are rolled back along the path of an Archmedian Spiral; and c. means for establishing said path, the latter means including pin means on a lower surface of each box-shaped element, each of said elements including a recess provided in its upper surface for reception of such pin means.
 2. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 1 comprising a pair of flanges attached to two parallel sides of said elements, said pin means extending outwardly from said flanges.
 3. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 2 comprising a latching mechanism closing said recess in each of said elements in said first position of said assembly.
 4. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 3 comprising a latching mechanism attached tO each of said elements, said mechanism including a spring-loaded toggle lever, a stud attached to one end of said lever, and a hook, and means for automatically urging said lever against said hook in said first position of said assembly.
 5. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 1 also including, as linkage members between said elements wedge-shaped hollow projections attached to proximate sides of a pair of adjoining elements, said linkage members comprising a communicating channel contiguous to said sides, and packing material enclosed in said channel.
 6. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said projections include a pair of ledges extending across the width of said sides of said elements, said ledges being attached to said sides at a substantially equal angle of inclination, one of said ledges sloping downward and the other of said ledges sloping upward of said sides toward an apex of said projection at the midpoint between said elements.
 7. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein one of said ledges is a continuation of said upper surface of said element at an angle thereto.
 8. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 7 comprising a first tubular packing material approximately filling said channel, and a second packing material of substantially rectangular cross section subsequently inserted in said channel, whereby said tubular packing material is compressed against the interior walls thereof.
 9. A roll-back closure assembly as defined in claim 7 comprising a first packing material of substantially rectangular cross-section and a second packing material subsequently inserted in said channel surrounding said first packing material and completely filling said channel. 